Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad accused the United States of hypocrisy during a visit to the World Expo in Shanghai. However, he praised his host and ally China, although it backed new nuclear sanctions against Tehran.
Shrugging off China's support for new United Nations sanctions against Tehran over its nuclear activities, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Friday praised ties between the two countries.
He used his tour of the World Expo in Shanghai to express his hopes of building what he described as a "better world" created by the "two great nations and ancient civilizations", Iran and China.
Mr. Ahmadinejad instead used the media attention surrounding his trip to accuse the United States, other nations and the U.N. of hypocrisy.
Mr. Ahmadinejad says those countries already possessing nuclear weapons are unwilling to let other nations develop peaceful nuclear energy.
He describes such nuclear-armed countries as criminals who spread rumors to create what he says are obstacles to prevent others from using peaceful nuclear power.
The United States, its allies and several other countries say Iran is trying to secretly develop nuclear weapons. The Tehran government says its nuclear programs are for energy use.
China had opposed more U.N. sanctions against one of its major oil suppliers. But under mounting international pressure, Beijing made a u-turn Wednesday by voting for a fourth round of sanctions on Tehran over its nuclear program.
It did so after working with Russia to water down the sanctions.
Some Iranian officials harshly criticized China for its yes vote.
Tehran had hoped Beijing would use its Security Council veto power to block the sanctions, which target military and nuclear investments.
President Ahmadinejad appeared unconcerned by China's vote, however, as he inspected the Iran pavilion at the World Expo.
He is not scheduled to meet any Chinese leaders while in the country.
Beijing denies changing its mind over voting for sanctions, saying Thursday the penalties were designed to bring Tehran back to the negotiation table.